About Nick

After earning a B.S. in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Minnesota, I spent 5 years working as a graphic designer at agencies and companies in the Twin Cities before deciding that sitting at a computer all day wasn't the life for me.

In August 2010, I decided to switch gears and pursue my first love --- teaching. I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Special Education from Liberty University in May of 2013. I am currently teaching students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities at VandenBerge Middle School in Elk River, Minnesota.

While I love teaching, I don't think I'll ever be able to give up painting and designing. My wife would tell you I always have a number of projects going. I live in Monticello, Minnesota with my beautiful wife Stephanie and my amazing sons Dexter, Rowan, and Spencer.

Painting & PortraitsI love creating and designing in all kinds of styles - traditional, bold, whimisical, vintage, colorful, abstract, etc. My favorite artists and visionaries are Norman Rockwell and Baz Luhrmann. My favorite thing to do artistically is to try and create a fusion between traditional realism and the bold, whimsical world --- all in one painting or illustration.

In addition to portraits and landscapes, I also do "live" painting during church worship services, weddings, and events. Please contact me if you'd like to discuss having me paint live at your church or event!

Graphic DesignI have designed for the following clients:

Best Buy, Sun Country Airlines, Fiskars Craft, Gingher, HealthPartners, Stratysis, ABC Broadcasting, 92 KQRS, Radio Disney, 21 Rocks Video Games, Denver Public Schools and more. I am continually freelancing for a number of different local agencies and companies. Feel free to contact me if I can help with your graphic design needs!

MissionI am in the process of creating a non-profit organization called "Deck the Walls" with a very simple idea. Many people with disabilities spend a significant amount of their lives inside their home, bedroom, or even a hospital room. Often these walls are bland and boring. My idea is to "deck the walls" out in the living spaces these people spend their time in.